Spring 2015 Newsletter

Issue 08 Music Hub INSET Calendar included in this Spring term news newsletter. from the North About the Hub The Yorkshire Music Hub Music Hub was Welcome to the first Music Hub newsletter of 2015. Please set up in early check out the diary dates for future events and enjoy reading 2012 and works about last year’s music making successes across the county. in partnership with local and national arts programmes and organisations. Its objective is to deliver the government’s commitment to improving the quality of local music services and our performance is monitored by Arts Council England. There are great opportunities to be part of the Hub and this edition contains information about how and when you can get involved in music making across the county.

And Key Stage One children made animal masks so they could join in the music… find out why on pages 2-3

Supported using public funding by Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter The Musicians of Bremen arrive in North Yorkshire

2014’s autumn term started with a treat for After a few days’ rehearsal the newly formed VaCO primary pupils children in the Tollerton area when dectet played at four different school venues, a dozen young musicians from the Vacation showing the children the variety of beautiful sounds Chamber Orchestra (VaCO) visited them. made by their instruments, and the contrasting timbre of string and wind. They taught the children The VaCO musicians - students in the final stages a song which then featured in the performance of of their masters courses at the Royal Academy ‘The Musicians of Bremen’, which tells the tale of a of Music and at the Royal Northern College of group of animals travelling to Bremen to form their Music - introduced the pupils to ten instruments own band. They used musical motifs to suggest of the orchestra and enchanted them with the the sounds of the animals and featured snatches story of a band of animals seeking a new life. of classical repertoire from Verdi to serialism to They were based for a week in Tollerton on a keep the musical connoisseurs on their toes. course run by VaCO, studying music for string Everyone enjoyed themselves – all the performers, quartet and wind quintet, as well as working children and teachers in the audience. The on songs by Gershwin, songs from the Just So primary children were inspired to take up a Stories and ‘The Musicians of Bremen’ by Richard musical instrument themselves and the students Shephard. They performed five evening concerts returned to their studies having experienced an Children from Linton and Stillington meet the players from VaCO and four children’s workshops during their stay. intensive but rewarding introduction to teaching.

Pupils taking part came from Kirby Hill, Nun Monkton, Brafferton, Dishforth CE, Linton-on-Ouse, Stillington and Alne primary schools, Queen Mary’s school and Chapter House, Ethelburgas.

Keystage 1 children made masks so they could join the animals on their adventures

Keystage 2 children drew pictures of instruments as animals. Children at Alne primary school get their own private performance This is by Eleanor Chaplin from Kirby Hill Primary school

2 3 Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter North Yorkshire County New brass beginners club Easingwold Brass Band ‘s (ETB) exciting new venture for the coming year is a brass beginners Youth Orchestra 2014 club aimed at all ages 8+. The club is being set up with a core of musicians training band and ultimately the Town A review of the course by orchestra leader Tom Messenger from ETB’s training band with two music Band itself. At the moment ETB feels This year I attended North Yorkshire’s County idea, as anything that inspires more people to students York St John providing tutoring, it has a ‘mixed-ability problem’ in its Training Youth Orchestra’s residential course at the play classical music themselves is the best. with assistance from members of ETB. Band -- beginners need basic instruction while the more advanced players have to wait their beautiful setting of School for the Membership of EBBC is free of charge for a trial The second concert, which was the main event turn, and when it comes, the beginners can’t fifth time and once again it didn’t disappoint. period, and the Band may make a small weekly on the Friday, was also excellent. It all went keep up. If the long-term plan for the new club charge for membership thereafter – however, The week was filled with great music and great smoothly and the music was amazing - with four works, EBBC ‘graduates’ will feed into the instruments will be available on loan at no cost. entertainment. I had the opportunity to be leader of the composers from our evening’s repertoire Training Band, and then into the Town Band. of the orchestra for a second time and it was in the concert hall. They were Simon Chorley, the EBBC will be promoted in local primary schools, a huge honour. There was a fantastic range of winner of the student composition competition; on ETB’s website and in the local press. ETB has the resources to get EBBC started, and is going to apply for grant funding to develop it music to choose from, including Cesar Franck’s Joanna Marsh, the composer of the piece Rehearsals will be weekly during (university) term- further. For more information contact Bill Cleghorn: Symphony in D major, Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Heliosphere; the composer of the fanfare at the time. A day and time hasn’t been fixed yet as Italien and Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto. start of the concert, Ian Bangay; and 91 year it that will depend on what is most practicable phone/text 07770 721937 old local composer Arthur Butterworth MBE. for the tutors and prospective participants. The standard of the players amazes me every or email [email protected] year and the fact that we managed to learn The week wasn’t just about the music as we As well as being an exciting new venture, www.easingwoldtownband.org.uk and play a programme of nine different pieces had a wonderful time outside of rehearsals too! the club will act as a spring board for the to a very high standard just goes to shows We played the annual game of football, along what a fantastic orchestra they make. The with the newer idea of ultimate Frisbee. We also conductor - Simon Wright – was outstanding. took part in a ceilidh, which was good fun. I really do recommend getting involved in County We performed two concerts during the course. Orchestra. If you are the right age or have a son or email The first was aimed at children from local Play a brass or daughter that is eligible, please get involved! It primary schools and we played some extracts Details from: has been an absolutely great experience for me 07770 721937 from the pieces that we were learning to give instrument?

and I have made friends and contacts for life. [email protected] them an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Unsurprisingly, the favourite section For information about North Yorkshire Me? ... and safer than lion-taming! of the orchestra was the percussion, with all the County Youth Orchestra contact Anne children wanting to play the tam-tam! I think that Heaton: [email protected]. or phone/text Bill Cleghorn the idea of playing to the local kids was a great Me? www.easingwoldtownband.org.uk

Why not? ... more fun than computer games...

instrument? Play a brass brass a Play more fun Start now with Easingwold Club Brass Beginner’s Band Part of Easingwold Town All ages (8+)

... than computer games... easier than pole-vaulting.... It’s It’s easier than pole-vaulting.... Why not? ...and safer than lion-taming!

4 Start now with 5 Easingwold Details from: www.easingwoldtownband.org.uk Brass Beginner’s Club or phone/text Bill Cleghorn Part of Easingwold Town Band 07770 721937 or email All ages (8+) [email protected] Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter

Why Should We Sing? Behind the scenes of the

NYMAZ Early Years We are pleased to welcome back music business - Live Music Network Prof. Colwyn Trevarthen, who gave Every school in North Yorkshire is invited The live video-streamed performance Conference an inspirational presentation at the to take part in a live broadcast featuring is the second of three which have been launch of the NYMAZ Early Years Music one of the region’s best loved bands. organised by NYMAZ as part of the Network back in 2012. Three years Connect: Resound project. Funded by Saturday 7 February 2015 Having appeared at Glastonbury and on, he returns to deliver the keynote the Digital R&D Fund for the Arts, NYMAZ Community House, played the opening ceremony of Le speech at the NYMAZ Early Years is working with technology company Portholme Road, Tour de France Grand Depart at Leeds Music Network Conference 2015. UCan Play and research partner the , YO8 4QQ Arena, Hope and Social are featuring University of Hull to test new digital The day will include presentations in a live and exclusive online broadcast 10am-3pm ways of providing music education to and workshops from: Prof. Colwyn for all school pupils in the county. On Saturday 7 February 2015, Trevarthen, Hugh Nankivell, Mona Zeidan, children in rurally-isolated areas. The broadcast will take place at NYMAZ will hold its annual Early Years Beth Allen and Rebecca Gross. If your school would like to take part, 1.15pm on Thursday 26 March Music Network Conference in Selby. tune into the stream at 1.15pm via http:// Tickets cost £35, or £30 for NYMAZ and last approximately an hour. The event is for Early Years practitioners, Early Years Music Network Members live.ucanplay.tv/ - there is no need to freelance musicians, primary school Working with Grassington Festival, register or download any software. Music Coordinators and anybody who Book at: www.nymaz.org.uk/ who are producing the event, we are To tweet the band on the day, please needs support to bring music into their our-networks / 01904 543 offering children and young people the use @NYMAZmusic #hopeandsocial setting, as well as those already leading 382 / [email protected] chance to get behind the scenes with music activities for babies and toddlers. Hope and Social as they show how The event is part of Connect: Resound, the recording process works, from a project by NYMAZ and the North What factors discourage you from playing the music to mixing the track. Yorkshire Music Hub, using new making music with your 0-5 year- technology to bring music to more olds on a regular basis? Everyone will be able to get involved young people in North Yorkshire. with the session, tweeting questions • Fear you’re ‘not musical’? direct to the band. Hope and Social For more information, contact us on • Terrified of singing in front of people? are well known for their lively, engaging [email protected] or 01904 543382. and fun approach to making music and • Not sure where to start? www.nymaz.org.uk involving people, and the broadcast • Or not sure why it’s important? will be an entertaining and engaging www.hopeandsocial.co.uk Come along to this day-long way to learn more about music, music www.grassington-festival.org.uk conference, where we will be exploring technology and the creative industries. the many and varied answers to the question: “Why should we sing?” and showing you that you can! • Learn the basics of singing for (totally terrified) beginners; • Pick up a varied song repertoire, with songs for all occasions; • Create new songs and music with your early years children • Q&A, how do singing and music fit into the EYFS curriculum? Prof. Colwyn Trevarthen Hope and Social - the band kicked off the opening ceremony for the Tour de France, performing with The Band Anyone Can Join, consisting of 100 local people

6 7 North Yorkshire Music Hub INSET Calendar 2014-15 Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter Scarborough Area Music Centre News

Whitby music centre

Encore for the Esk best attended events, drawing a lot of visitors to the town and many of them came along to Valley Concert Band dance, all wearing the fashions of the time. has direct links with the orchestra as two members, SAYSO The band’s repertoire is mainly music of husband and wife Kathy Seabrook (Flute) and EVCB was invited back to entertain at Whitby’s the forties but includes some more recent Scarborough Area Music Centre saw a very Graham Quilter (Clarinet & Sax), have twin sons at annual World War II weekend dance – and was material. The audience gave the band a busy autumn term, under its new manager the music centre. Both boys are talented players promptly booked for the 2015 event after their standing ovation and in return they performed Ralph Alder. Ralph took over from long and came along to take part in the event. performance. The weekend is one of Whitby’s a medley of WWII songs as an encore. serving Nigel Blenkiron in September. The young players rehearsed during the afternoon, Starting off the term, the senior orchestra - SAYSO being coached and guided by the professional - took part in a workshop and joint concert with musicians. They then performed together in the the Scarborough Spa Orchestra. The music centre evening to a large audience in the Spa Main Hall. Junior players Young musicians from the string group, choir EASY Jazz Jazz Train and junior concert bands came together in October to shine at St Stephen’s Church in The senior big band - EASY Jazz – also In September Jazz Train – the junior big band – Fylingdales. It was an opportunity to show just took part in a workshop and concert with started off the “Starlight” charity walk to raise funds what they can do without the centre’s more professional musicians at the Spa in September. for St Catherine`s Hospice in Scarborough. They experienced older musicians taking centre stage. This time it was part of the Scarborough provided entertainment for the walkers at which Jazz Festival held annually at the Spa. went down really well. Thank you letters from the Hospice said they hoped Jazz Train will continue to Remembrance Day The morning was spent rehearsing and being support them and perform there again in the future. 18th Birthday celebrations coached by jazz legends Robert Fowler (Sax) Sirocco – the centre’s advanced wind band – and Steve Brown (Drums). Again there was The beginning of December saw the music centre once again played in the lead up to the Whitby’s an evening performance - very well received Joint performances celebrate 18 successful years in the town at a Remembrance Day service. The service concluded by a large audience in the Sun Court. November ended with a joint performance concert at Whitby Pavilion. Past and present with the band playing the last post, followed by the Junior and Senior Guitar Groups, the members of the Whitby Music Centre, together by a short concert. Sirocco tends to be the Junior String Orchestra and the Intermediate with ensemble leaders, joined together in an centre’s busiest ensemble, receiving requests Orchestra at Pickering Church. evening’s celebration of the centre’s coming of age. to play on a regular and commercial! - basis.

8 9 Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter Sign up to be Getting out into the #Happy this term Community with the

Songwires is a choir workshop they live in the county, they can enjoy Ukulele Group for children in school the carefully-selected programme years one to six in North of music before meeting the rest of Following their well-received performances in the Music Centre’s concerts, the Harrogate Ukulele Group – Yorkshire. Run by a the choir and s inging together. HUG – has been invited to play at various venues. October saw them perform to an appreciative lunchtime professional singer audience at the ‘Swan on the Stray’ in Harrogate to mark the final day of the inn’s mini beer festival. As well as learning more about music the and a primary music project gives the children the opportunity Augmented by a former member of the group, instruments on show, with a number of audience specialist, the project to form friendships with pupils from who has relocated to Oxfordshire but returned for members asking if they could ‘have a go’ HUG seeks to emphasise fun different areas and schools. As they learn the weekend and an electric guitarist, adopted for members took the opportunity post-performance to and inclusivity in music. the music at home using their CDs and this performance, the group played an eclectic mix explain and promote music centre activities, which Songwires’ spring term online resources, rehearsals will take place of instrumentals and songs. Covers of ‘Galway rounded off another very successful performance. project is #Happy. Children learn songs over just two weekends: the afternoons girl’, ‘Take on me’, ‘Since you’ve been gone’, and HUG were also involved in the opening of Beulah, from a broad range of musical styles of Saturday 28th February and Sunday ‘House of the rising sun’ were interspersed with the new arts centre in the middle of Harrogate. at home before coming together for 1st March, and Sunday 8th March. instrumentals such as ‘Tennessee waltz’. Diners rehearsals and a performance. They were part of the opening launch weekend and The Songwires project is supported responded enthusiastically to the invitation to sing were once again enthusiastically received, with an Children signing up to it in February/ by NYMAZ. For more information along to ‘Always look on the bright side of life’. encore demanded at the end of their performance. March 2015 will be given online access about it please look out for the There was considerable interest in the range of to lyrics and recordings of the songs. promotional fliers from NYMAZ, or email [email protected] They also receive a CD and song words in the post, meaning that wherever

Some of the HUG members at the Beulah arts centre

10 11 Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter News from Northallerton Music centre Fundraiser concert Northallerton Music Centre ended its 2013/14 academic year with concerts at The Forum, Northallerton. The two concerts showcased all the ensembles the centre offers and were a huge success, raising nearly £1000 for the Parents Association funds. The concert also thanked the Year 13 The ensembles in action students who were moving on and marked the the Ready, Steady, Blow (Junior Brass) ensemble. retirement of David Bentley and a change for The group is aimed for students who are pre- Mike Monument. David has worked for North Grade 1 and is directed by Tim Waters. Selby Music Centre news Yorkshire County Council’s Music Service for Northallerton Guitar Ensembles - Adrian over 25 years and Mike has now moved to a Bramley has been appointed to lead two groups, Big Play Days at Forthcoming events new role as a Head of Music in Cheshire. a beginners and a more advanced guitar group. March 14 Eskdale Festival – junior New ensembles For more information on these and any of the concert band The new academic year saw the start- other ten ensembles offered, please contact Over 400 pupils from schools in the Selby March 21 Whole centre concert up of four new ensembles, bringing the [email protected] or tel area came together during the summer June 21 Selby fun day and Monk centre’s total up to an impressive 14. 01609 536715. term to take part in two days of massed Fryston fayre – big band ensembles held at Selby High School (a Northallerton Area Big Band is directed by Workshop and brass band specialist school for the arts and science). Alan Owens. Students rehearse Jazz and Big June 27 Gateways school summer The centre hosted a workshop with the Cuillin Band sound from 9.30 -10.45 on Saturday Staff from the County Music Service ran workshops fayre – brass band Sound Wind Trio (flute / clarinet / bassoon) on mornings. Initial rehearsals show excellent in the morning for pupils who had all been taking Saturday 17January. All the trio’s members July 4 Grand summer concert potential for this 50 piece ensemble and its part in the Wider Opportunities Programmes – Dana Morgan, Sarah Watts and Laurence at Selby Abbey inaugural concert on November 15 at the during the course of the year. One day focussed Perkins - are soloists or principal players in Forum raised funds for Children in Need. on brass and woodwind, with the other focussing their own right, and the trio is now one of on strings, guitar, keyboard and voice. Each day Northallerton Area Choir is directed by Trevor the UK’s leading chamber ensembles. ended with a concert for families and the pupils Wilson. Music is aimed at students who enjoy INS - Bassoon involved felt it was a fantastic experience. singing in two or three parts and from a varieties of styles including popular and musicals. Parents Forthcoming Events Summer Exam Success are also welcome to participate in this group. Spring Concerts on Saturday 21March Northallerton Area Junior Woodwind – aka and a year-end final concert at The Forum, Forty four students from the North Yorkshire The Woodpeckers – follows in the footsteps of Northallerton on Saturday 4 July. Music Service took their ABRSM grade exams at this summer - and Contact the centres direct for more information achieved a fantastic 100% pass rate. Many of the students received well-deserved Harrogate Stephen Price 01609 534 979 Merits and Distinctions after months of hard Northallerton Su McCormack 01609 536 715 work from both students and teachers. One Scarborough Ralph Alder 01609 532783 of the students, Sam Flemming who achieved a Distinction at Grade 5 on the Tuba, was Selby Hannah Hebden 01609 533 853 selected to perform in the High Scorers’ Concert Skipton Pip Jopling 01609 534 795 in York which is arranged by the ABRSM. Whitby Bob Butterfield 07581 639 528

12 13 Issue 08 Spring 2015 newsletter Festive round up Reels on Fire - Skipton Music Centre’s Folk Band makes its public debut Selby Harrogate Music Centre The run up to Christmas was a busy time for the Wind Band goes to town Members of Skipton Music Centre’s newest band – Skipton Music Centre Folk Band Director Nigel music centre, with performances by the brass the Folk Band - had their first taste of performing as Waugh said : ‘Having the opportunity to play At the end of November Harrogate Music Centre’s band, guitars and big band culminating in the whole part of a ceilidh band during the Reels on Fire event alongside Fiddler’s Wreck for a ceilidh was a Wind Band made the trip to Harrogate town centre centre concert on 13 December. in October. Members of the music centre band fantastic experience for members of our music and played to passing shoppers. played alongside professional ceilidh band Fiddler’s centre’s newest ensemble. Our folk band is made The space outside the centre provided a perfect Wreck for an evening of dancing in Cracoe Village up of local children and adults who play instruments Scarborough performance area for the 45 members of the band Hall. Before the event, the Folk Band took part in associated with traditional music. For many of us, In December EASY Jazz returned to Thornton- to play a mixture of popular and Christmas music. a workshop led by Fiddler’s Wreck’s concertina this was the first time we played music for dancing.’ le-Dale to help celebrate the turning on of the player Michael Jary and guitarist Paul Young. village’s Christmas lights. This has become The Wind Band is the intermediate level band an annual event for the band and really helps at Harrogate Music Centre and usually meets at to mark the start of the festive season. along with 10 other bands and orchestras for people aged from 7 to 70. The popular annual Gala Christmas Concert at If you would like to know more about the the Spa saw the music centre’s 11 ensembles Music Centre or are thinking of learning an come together to perform. The finale consisted instrument, please contact the Music Centre of a specially commissioned medley of Christmas Manager on 07791 755941 or check out the songs put together by local arranger and website on: www.hmc-parents-assoc.org.uk band leader Dave Clegg with everyone playing together – with fireworks and streamers galore.

Members of Skipton Music Centre’s Folk Band in their workshop with Michael Jary and Paul Young from Fiddler’s Wreck.

Skipton music centre diary dates 28 February – 7:30pm – Armed Man by Karl Jenkins – The Langcliffe Singers and members of Skipton Music Centre– Christ Church, Skipton 14 March – 3:00pm – Skipton Music Centre Guitar Concert – Christ Church, Skipton 25 April – 7:30pm - Messe Solennelle by Rossini – Skipton Music Centre Choir with The Langcliffe Singers – Kirkby-in-Malhamdale Parish Church The wind band in action

14 15 The North Yorkshire Music Hub - find out more and get involved We’re running music hub forums across the county every term and useful partnerships and possibilities are already developing. The make-up of the meetings has been encouraging, with groups ranging from community and town brass bands, professional orchestras, primary and secondary school teachers and local music societies. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to be added to the invitation list and we’ll let you know where and when the next forum for your area will be - please email [email protected] or ring 01609 532 783.

We’re developing plenty of projects that you can take part in - these are just some of them: Buy in services • Continuous professional development programmes for school staff, All partners involved in the hub run particularly in supporting schools to workshops, concerts and other bespoke deliver music in the curriculum. musical projects for children and young people on a bought in basis. If you have a • Providing an instrument loan service, with specific project that you would like to launch discounts or free provision for those having or just require some advice on setting up your instrumental lessons with NYCC Music Service. own, our partners will be happy to discuss • Providing access to large scale and high quality your needs. The following examples may be music experiences for pupils through working of interest: with professional musicians and venues. • curriculum guidance/delivery; • Setting up an online area where you can find • working with professional musicians; out more information and share examples of great partnership working in the county. • catering for pupils with specific SEND needs; and If you’d like to be added to our mailing list, want to tell us about your projects, or find out more • bespoke CPD. about our plans, please email NYMAZ are also the signposting organisation [email protected]. for the hub and are happy to add your organisations details/activities to their website.

Contact us County Music Centre, CYPS Business Support, SB114 South Block, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE Tel: 01609 532783 Email: [email protected]  Or visit our website at: www.northyorks.gov.uk

If you would like this information in another language or format such as Braille, large print or audio, please ask us. Tel: 01609 532917 Email: [email protected]

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